Best buys for your Black Friday shopping

Many holiday shoppers turn to the stores or web to start their holiday shopping the weekend following Thanksgiving. Between Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the Monday following Thanksgiving), shoppers are expected to spend 61 billion dollars. With an average spend of $450 per person, Black Friday can cause even the best budgeter to get carried away by a great deal.

Some people believe that Black Friday festivities are all about buying toys for children and treating yourself to unnecessary luxuries. However, making Black Friday purchases can be an incredibly savvy way to buy necessities and practical purchases that better fit into your budget.

We’re breaking down some of our favorite practical purchases for a couple of different types of shoppers below.

Best buys for the homeowner

Whether you are a new homeowner or have been living in your home for the last 10+ years, there is already something that you either want or need to upgrade your space. But whether they are necessary items to keep your place updated or fun decorative items, purchasing home items can get costly.

Black Friday often brings doorbuster deals on expensive purchases such as vacuums and steam cleaners that normally cost upwards of $300. If you have room in your budget, try tackling these purchases during Black Friday weekend so you can fill your home with all the necessities without breaking the bank.

Here are some top items to look for this year:

• Vacuum
• Steam cleaner
• Spare bedroom bedding
• Area rugs
• Bath linens
• Holiday decorations

Practical Black Friday purchases for the bargain shopper

If you like to spend minimally on Black Friday, why not stock up on some necessities that need replacing? Department stores may have deals on the items you use daily, from clothing essentials to soaps and shampoos, and you can stock up for the rest of the year. Here are a few ideas:

• Socks
• Undergarments
• Pajamas
• Winter clothing items
• Boots
• Soaps and shampoos
• Candles

Apartment purchases for folks fresh out of college

Graduating college can be the most exciting time of your life but also one of the most expensive. From making monthly rent payments to paying off student debt, staying within budget while funding your new life can be tricky. Maximizing Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers to buy kitchen and other essential home items is a great way to step foot into adulting at a more affordable price.

• Pots and pans
• Storage and serving containers
• Electronics (TVs, phones, laptops)
• Mattresses and bedding items

Thoughtful purchases for the family food prepper

There are so many gadgets that make cooking for a crew faster and easier than ever! Not only will these kitchen appliances make meal prep simpler, but it could also save you from spending extra cash on going out to eat.

Another money-smart move is to buy gift cards to grocery stores you shop at regularly. Many national grocery stores offer gift card deals; for example, if you buy $100 in gift cards, you get a $25 gift card free. Most families can use these gift cards in just one month, and it is like getting 25% off your grocery purchase.

• Grocery store gift cards
• Pressure cooker or slow cooker
• Kitchen mixer
• Blenders or food processors

How to make the most out of your holiday shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday:

Before hitting the stores, do your research. Most stores publish their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals early so that you can devise a plan before hitting the stores Friday morning or signing into the web on Monday.

If you are shopping on a budget, sit down and create a list of what you plan on buying before you hit the stores. Also, write down how much you are willing to spend. It is easy to get ahead of yourself and spend more than you are comfortable with.

Want more holiday shopping tips? Check out these articles!>

• How to budget for big expenses
• How much are Americans spending this holiday season?
• Protect yourself from fraud during the holidays
• 5 tips for safe online shopping this holiday season

Claire Hegstrom is an advocate of the credit union movement through and through. Passionate about financial education, she approaches money conversations from a candid and inclusive space focused on growth and awareness. As our credit union founding father, Ed Filene, once said, “Progress is the constant replacing of the best there is with something still better.” Claire hopes reading Money Mentor will help transform your life from the best to even better.